Peasley: Farm news from good to mix

Kristine Book, 28, is training with the Illinois Farm Bureau to learn the duties of a farm bureau manager. She is working with Dan Volkers, manager at the McHenry County Farm Bureau. Kristine is enjoying learning about the duties of a farm bureau manager, awaiting an opening at one of Illinois’ 95 county farm bureaus.

She is a 2006 graduate of North Central College in Naperville and spent a year in Korea teaching English at an academy program. She is working closely with Volkers to keep members up-to-date on legislative activities at both the state and county government and informing members about services available to them.

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McHenry County farmers report harvest work in the fields confirms their fear – corn yields are reflecting the impact of the drought.

Henry Zierer, whose farm is three miles east of Union, reports a wide variation in yields.

Some areas have above average yield of corn.

In other fields, there are stalks with no ears. Some of Zierer’s fields were irrigated. He says he’s surprised he’s getting some decent looking ears in fields that were not irrigated.

He attributes it to better genetics. Earlier in the week, Zierer’s combine broke down so he was at a standstill in harvesting.

Everyone’s favorite ghost-catching team will head to Woodstock Theatre for a special screening of “Ghostbusters” (PG).

Slated for midnight Oct. 26, this classic will be presented with Woodstock’s state-of-the-art digital projection and sound technology.

Tickets are $5 and are available at the Woodstock Theatre box office, 209 Main St. The movie is sponsored by the Woodstock Independent and Harvard Main Line.

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A seasonal extension of the Woodstock Farmers Market takes place from 9 a.m. until noon on the following Saturdays: Nov. 3, 10 and 17; December 1, 8, 15 and 22; Jan. 5; Feb. 2; March 2; and April 6. The market will be indoors at the farm bureau building, 1102 McConnell Road, Woodstock. Visit www.woodstockfarmersmarket.org.

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Come to the beautiful Woodstock Square for the annual costume contest at 4 p.m. Oct. 31. Prizes will be awarded by 4:15 p.m., followed by trick-or-treating around the Square until 5 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for the “scariest,” “funniest” and “most original” costumes in four age categories: ages 3 years and younger, ages 4 to 8 years, ages 9 to 13 years and ages 14 and older.

Please remember recommended hours for trick-or-treating in the neighborhoods are from 4 to 7 p.m.

• Don Peasley has been editor, columnist and historian in McHenry County since October 1947. He began his association with Shaw Publications in 1950. 815-338-1533.